Is this a weed?

The yard is beautiful, the flowers are blooming—and the weeds are thriving. All that time and effort and you can't beat the weeds!

But the University of Minnesota Extension Service is here to help. And their experts and master gardeners are as close as your keyboard.

This comprehensive website helps you identify—and cope with—common and invasive plants in Lake Country. The detailed information on this site also helps you avoid eradicating the wrong thing.

The Extension website is actually quite easy to use. You start by selecting a plant type, then drill down till you've identified your culprit. The site contains more than you probably ever wanted to know—but it's all there if you need it.

So consult your computer before you grab the hoe and start digging things up. You may save yourself an oops! or two. And, if you find this information helpful, please let us know. Just register or sign in and add a comment to share with our readers.